TCAT branches out with the opening of its Willow Tree Centre
Telford College of Arts and Technology has officially opened its new £1.8 million Willow Tree Centre, supporting learners with complex needs and disabilities.
The building, based at TCAT’s Wellington campus, is a specialist service for students aged between 16 and 19.
Facilities include a Sensory Room funded by a £10,000 Big Lottery Fund grant, plus a Life Skills room, and training areas for Hair and Beauty, Food Technology, and Technology.
At the official launch, parents and carers got chance to tour the facilities, where staff and students laid on demonstrations.
Post-16 pupils previously based at Bridge School in Hadley in Telford are the first to move into the new Willow Tree Centre.
The official opening ceremony was performed by Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families at Telford & Wrekin Council.
TCAT Principal Chris Scott said: “The Willow Tree Centre offers quality education which is age-appropriate, and is designed to be as inclusive as possible – based entirely upon each student’s individual needs.
“It is run by a manager and a deputy manager who are qualified teachers working under the leadership of Telford College, and the centre receives advice from a range of outside health professionals to help meet each student’s particular needs.
“One of the benefits of having the Willow Tree Centre within the boundaries of the main campus is that it also allows students, where appropriate, to access the wider TCAT community, and our state-of-the-art facilities.”
Staffing levels at the Willow Tree are enhanced, allowing students to be usually taught in small classes. Each class is led by a learning facilitator, aided by an appropriate number of learning support assistants.
Telford College has been exploring ways of providing further post-16 specialist provision for learners with more profound and multiple difficulties and needs since 2011.
“This new development will add to the inclusive nature of the college, as it will provide education from entry level, to foundation degree students,” said TCAT’s Director of Adult Skills, Edward Bird.
“We have worked closely with staff at the Bridge School, plus parents and carers, throughout the construction process to ensure the smoothest possible transition for students.”
The Big Lottery Fund grant helped to pay for equipment such as bubble columns, fibre optic carpet, lights and specialist music systems in the Sensory Room.
